Foreign investments and comprehensive advice for companies
At G&G Studio Abogados, we offer comprehensive advice to foreign investors and entrepreneurs who want to set up a company or branch in Spain and work with legal and tax security.
Our dedicated legal and tax team accompanies you from the initial planning to the ongoing management of your company.
How to start a business in Spain if I am a foreigner?
Many foreign entrepreneurs who want to start operating in Spain wonder:
- What documents do I need to start a business?
- What legal and tax procedures do I have to follow?
- Is it better to open a new company or a branch?
At G&G Studio, we answer all your questions and guide you through every stage of the process to avoid costly mistakes.
Starting a business or opening a branch in Spain?
One of the first steps in starting a business in Spain is to decide which option is better:
- The forming of a Spanish commercial company with its own legal personality, or
- Opening a branch of your foreign company operating under the same legal entity.
Both options have a similar administrative and tax burden, but have strategic, operational and tax differences that must be analysed on a case-by-case basis.
We will help you choose the most suitable option for your project, depending on your country of origin, the type of activity and the business objectives.
Types of Commercial Companies in Spain
When deciding to set up a company, it is necessary to choose between the various existing legal forms . The most common are:
- Limited Liability Company (SL) – recommended for small and medium-sized businesses.
- Stock Company (SA) – ideal for structures with larger capital or with several partners.
- Other formulas: professional society, cooperatives, civil societies, etc.
Commercial companies limit the financial liability of the partners, which provides protection for the investor.
Administration and corporate structure
In Spain, the following options are available for the management and administration of the company:
- A single administrator
- Joint or multiple administrators
- A board of directors (at least 3 members)
In many cases, the administrators must be tax residents in Spain. We study your situation and help you meet these and other conditions necessary that are necessary for a correct and legal operation.
Steps to start a business in Spain
Our lawyers will assist you with, among other things:
- Choosing the company name in the Central Register
- Preparation of the statutes and corporate purpose
- Opening a bank account in Spain and organization of the initial capital
- Obtaining the Tax Identification Number (NIF)
- Signing the forming deed in front of a public notary
- Registration of the company in the Company Register
- Registration with the tax authority, social security and obtaining permits
- Advice on the most favourable tax regime for your company
We can act on your behalf with a power of attorney to speed up all processing without you having to travel.
Business & Legal Compliance
Compliance is essential to protect your business from sanctions, fraud, or bad practices.
At G&G Studio, we design a customized system that includes:
- Identification and classification of legal risks
- Internal prevention and control protocols
- Adaptation to Spanish, European and sectoral legislation
- Training and compliance of employees, partners and managers
In addition, we support you in the implementation of codes of ethics and internal guidelines that strengthen your company’s reputation in the eyes of clients, partners and authorities.
Is it legal, but not ethical?
Many actions can be legal, but they put your company’s image at risk. In an increasingly regulated and transparent environment, compliance is not just an obligation, but a competitive advantage.
Do you want to invest or start a business in Spain?
G&G Studio Abogados has more than 20 years of experience in advising European investors (English, German, French, Dutch and Belgian) on the formation of companies, the opening of branches and tax compliance in Spain.
Contact us to study your case and set up your company with all legal guarantees.
